Billionaire-backed California Forever loses Solano County support for scaled-back shipyard bill
Solano County supervisors voted against a special bill that would fast-track a 1,350-acre shipyard, delivering a setback to California Forever’s narrowed development plan.
California Forever, backed by a cadre of Silicon Valley billionaires, has scaled back its Bay Area megacity vision and now seeks approval for a 1,350-acre shipyard in Solano County. The developer introduced the "Solano Maritime and Manufacturing Act," a narrowly crafted bill intended to streamline environmental review and permitting for the maritime manufacturing hub. During a contentious five-hour meeting, Solano County supervisors voted not to support the legislation, removing the local endorsement the project needed.
Community voices ranged from accusations of a "sweetheart deal" to arguments that the shipyard could generate thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs. State legislators Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and Senator Christopher Cabaldon have been involved in negotiations but have not publicly pledged support. With the California legislative session set to conclude on Aug. 31, the trimmed-down proposal now faces an uncertain future.
Why it matters
The vote halts a high-profile shipyard project that promised significant job creation and economic benefits for the region.
In this story
